The 'Ring' Was Busted: Inside Tacoma’s Fiercest Municipal Election

Tacoma, April 6—Huson's majority for mayor is 168, and 1,000 enthusiastic Republicans, headed by a band, are marching to the north end of the city to serenade the victorious candidate in the most hotly contested election ever held in Tacoma. The estimated Republican majority was placed at 300 days ago, though it was known that a large number, unwarrantably prejudiced by the 'corporation' and 'ring' cries of the Democrats, would cut into that estimate. It is a crushing defeat for Alexander Parker, as he had set his heart on victory. The triumph of the Republicans is tinged with a feeling of sorrow for Parker, as 'the old man' had been influenced into believing he would positively be the next mayor. The wheel-horses now break forth denouncing the rashness of those who insisted upon the nomination of Parker, when Carroll, if nominated, would have been elected. The weather was cold enough to make a heavy overcoat comfortable. There was a little rain during the morning, but the voting began briskly. Saloons were closed, and business generally was at a standstill. Political gossip and conjecture were indulged in on all sides, and both Democrats and many Republicans frankly admitted that the Republicans had not made the best of the conditions and issues involved in the campaign. Indeed, up to the hour the polls closed, the talking throughout the precincts frequently turned upon the Republican candidates as being 'ring' men.